Analysis What's at stake as Libya's eastern parliament approves Turkey maritime deal Libya's eastern-based parliament's approval of a long-disputed maritime deal with Turkey marks a strategic win for Ankara as Saddam Hifter seeks Turkish backing for his presidential ambitions, according to analysts. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Sisi says Egypt has no ‘territorial ambitions’ after Israel’s Smotrich threatens Sinai The Egyptian president’s remarks follow a warning from Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich that Israel would seize the Sinai Peninsula if Egypt attacks. Egypt
Analysis Why renewed Egypt-Ethiopia tensions are a problem for China For Beijing, the renewed Egypt-Ethiopia standoff is a zero-sum bind that threatens vital strategic interests on both sides of the Nile. By Joyce Karam
Egypt, Eritrea, Somalia and Sudan hold summit amid Ethiopia tensions All four countries have increasingly tense relations with Ethiopia, driven by disputes over the Nile, Red Sea access and security. Egypt
Easter in Egypt resurrects debate over travel to Israel In the lead-up to Orthodox Easter May 1, disputes have resurfaced over visits by Egyptian Copts to Jerusalem. Palestine
Egypt's writers fear increasing restrictions Egyptian authors are fighting for freedom of expression as the state cracks down on what it calls offending public decency and contempt of religion. Egypt
Are Egypt's students no longer safe in their own schools? News that children have been victims of sexual assault at their own schools in Egypt has prompted civil society groups, activists and parents to look for effective ways to protect children from harassment. Egypt
How Egypt plans to build its next generation of scientists While Egypt is investing in high schools specializing in STEM fields to promote innovation among future generations, the efforts will only pay off if higher educational institutions improve as well. Egypt
Egyptian MP says forcing Sinai residents to move will only worsen terrorism In an interview with Al-Monitor, Egyptian parliamentarian Salama Al-Roqie expressed concern that the displacement of Sinai citizens suggested by some lawmakers will worsen the spread of terrorism and that the Sinai tribes are vital in supporting the armed forces in the war against extremists. Egypt
100 days on, Egypt’s parliament has seen few achievements, much controversy In the first 100 days of parliament, intense battles have raged between its members, resulting in the resignation of one parliamentarian, the suspension of another and several threats of resignation. Egypt
Egypt sets conditions for dialogue with Iran Egypt's foreign minister has made a list of measures Iran must take before the two countries can discuss normalizing relations, but it's doubtful that he really expects Iran to meet them. Egypt
Leading rights activist warns of unknown future for NGOs in Egypt The executive director of the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information tells Al-Monitor that the government wants to “turn civil society into a government division.” Egypt
Will Sisi fulfill his 'Sinai promise'? Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has promised that a new development project will eliminate terrorism and revive the economy in the Sinai Peninsula, but past failures raise doubts about its effective implementation. Egypt
This big-mouthed puppet has enraged Egypt’s parliament Several Egyptian lawmakers have demanded that action be taken against Abla Fahita, a puppet that stars in a popular Egyptian TV show, after she makes remarks critical of the parliament's performance. Egypt
Could economic ties be key to calming Egypt-Italy tensions? Although tensions are high between Cairo and Rome following the murder of Italian graduate student Giulio Regeni, the strong economic ties between the two will likely persist. Egypt
Why Egyptians' anger at island handover is misplaced Angry Egyptians decried the return of two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia while ignoring possible economic benefits and returns for Egypt as part of the agreement. Saudi Arabia